ἀναπτύσσω
I unroll
Definition
The verb ἀναπτύσσω means to unroll, unfold, or open up something that is rolled or folded. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 4:17, it specifically describes the physical action of unrolling a scroll, as Jesus does with the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. While this is its literal sense, the action carries symbolic weight, representing the revelation or presentation of a sacred text. The word implies a deliberate, preparatory act that precedes reading or examination.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:17, where it describes Jesus unrolling the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth. The context is a formal, public reading of Scripture within Jewish worship. The usage is purely descriptive of a physical action with no extended metaphorical application elsewhere in the biblical text.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), meaning 'up' or 'again,' combined with a form related to the verb πτύσσω (ptyssō), meaning 'to fold' or 'to roll up.' Thus, ἀναπτύσσω literally means 'to roll up again' or 'to unroll,' focusing on the reversal of the rolled state. It is the opposite action of rolling or folding a document, specifically a scroll.
Semantic Range
While the word itself describes a simple action, its sole biblical context in Luke 4:17 is theologically significant. The act of unrolling the Isaiah scroll initiates Jesus's proclamation of his messianic mission, directly linking the physical opening of the scroll to the spiritual fulfillment of prophecy. Understanding this Greek term highlights the intentionality and ceremony behind Jesus's declaration, enriching the reader's appreciation for how he authoritatively presented himself as the fulfillment of Scripture.
In the first-century Jewish world, sacred texts were written on scrolls made of parchment or papyrus. Unrolling a scroll was a necessary, deliberate step before a public reading in the synagogue. The action in Luke 4:17 would have been a familiar and respectful part of liturgical practice, signaling the formal beginning of the Scripture reading. The reader would locate the specific passage by unrolling to the correct column.
ἀνοίγω (anoigō, G455) — a more general term for 'opening' doors, mouths, or heavens, not specific to scrolls.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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